TX21 Indivisible Takes Demands to Legislators

TX21 INDIVISIBLE TAKES DEMANDS TO LEGISLATORS

JANUARY 24, 2017 – Between 10 AM and 1:30 PM, 16 activists, and one adorable and well-behaved infant from San Antonio congressional Districts 21, 28, and 35 descended on the offices of Rep. Lamar Smith, and Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn to express concerns about the new administration. These actions coincide with the rapidly growing national Indivisible movement that took similar actions throughout the U.S.

The group represented a cross-section of the population including young professionals and parents, retirees on fixed incomes, people with disabilities, and working people who used their lunch breaks or took the day off to attend. The group focused on two of the most urgent issues, the Affordable Care Act and the President’s cabinet selections.

TX21 Indivisible – San Antonio member Jeanie Valenzuela served as the group’s introductory spokesperson but Rep. Smith’s District Director Mike Asmus and Senator Cruz’s Deputy Regional Director Javier Salinas were peppered with questions and comments from all the members. “I’ve got a daughter with disabilities,” stated member Kelly Trout. “ACA is critical for her care. Without it, she will lose all support.” Others chimed in with personal stories about how the ACA is literally a life and death issue.

Cabinet appointees were also passionately discussed, with Betsy DeVos as the primary focus. “My children are six and ten,” stated one young mother. “They will be in the educational system for many years and this woman could decimate their future with her inexperience and personal agenda. The group was unanimous in sharing their genuine fear of the new administration to Senator Cruz’s staffer.

TX21 Indivisible members made further inquiries regarding their ongoing campaign to meet with our Congressman and Senators in a town hall format. Both Smith’s and Cruz’s offices said that our requests would be relayed to Washington. Again.

Senator John Cornyn’s office was unavailable. Oddly, his office address was absent from the building directory. Members proceeded to the suite indicated on his website, which also stated office hours were Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM. After ringing the bell numerous times with no response, a gentleman from a nearby office informed the group that there is seldom someone there. Members left a note on the door.

ABOUT TX21 INDIVISIBLE

Founded in 2017, TX21 Indivisible is a group of constituents of Texas’ 21st Congressional District who are working together to push back against the Trump agenda. Our representative Lamar Smith, is a principal enabler of Trump, but we aim to do our part to halt their rollback of our nation’s most fundamental progressive principles. We are formed in agreement with the principles of the Indivisible strategy:

Resist Trump’s agenda. We believe Trump’s agenda is racist, authoritarian and corrupt. It must be stopped.

Focus on local, defensive congressional advocacy. We demand that our own local members of Congress serve as our voice in Washington, D.C.

Embrace progressive values. We model inclusion, respect, and fairness in all of our actions.